Levels Of Family Conflict Research Articles

The mediation effect of the inferior-parietal cortex and globus pallidus on the relationship between family conflict and major depressive disorder

ObjectiveFamily conflict is an important risk factor for major depressive disorder (MDD) and is associated with structural alterations in the brain. However, it is unclear whether structural alterations associated with family conflict would contribute to depression. This study aims to investigate the neuroimaging characteristics that connect family conflict with depression. MethodsThis study included 54 healthy controls and 53 antidepressant-free patients with MDD. Both groups completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the simplified Chinese version of the Family Environment Scale, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging data was collected to measure cortical thickness and regional gray matter volumes. ResultsFamily conflict has a significant effect on depression diagnosis. Higher levels of family conflict were positively associated with symptoms of sadness, guilty feelings, and punishment feelings in patients, as well as with cortical thickness in the right inferior-parietal cluster and the volumes of the left globus pallidus in all participants. In the patient group, cortical thickness in the right inferior-parietal cluster and volume of the left globus pallidus were negatively related to symptoms of sadness and guilty feelings, respectively. The structural alteration in the right inferior-parietal cluster mediated the relationship of family conflict and sadness, whereas changes in the globus pallidus mediated the associations between family conflict and both depression and guilty feelings in patients. ConclusionFindings revealed the relationships between family conflict and depression, including both depression diagnosis and specific symptoms. Cortical thickness in the right inferior-parietal cortex and the volume of the left globus pallidus played mediating roles in these relationships, indicating the important contributions of these brain regions to the effect of family conflict on depression.

Assessing a prediction model for depression risk using an early adolescent sample with self‐reported depression

AbstractBackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescence is a risk factor for poor physical and psychiatric outcomes in adulthood, with earlier age of onset associated with poorer outcomes. Identifying Depression Early in Adolescence Risk Score (IDEA‐RS) is a model for predicting MDD in youth aged >15 years, but replication in younger samples (<15 years) is lacking. Here, we tested IDEA‐RS in a younger sample (9–11 years) to assess whether IDEA‐RS could be applied to earlier onset depression.MethodsWe applied IDEA‐RS predictor weights to 9854 adolescents (9–11 years) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, United States. We derived incident depression outcomes from self‐reported data at 2‐year follow‐up (11–13 years): incident MDD and increase in depression symptoms (DS). Sensitivity analyses were conducted using parent‐reported data. We assessed accuracy and calibration in predicting self‐reported incident depression and compared this to a refitted model with predictor weights derived in ABCD. Lastly, we tested associations between IDEA‐RS predictors and self‐reported incident depression.ResultsExternal replication yielded better‐than‐chance discriminative capacity for self‐reported incident depression (MDD: AUC = 61.4%, 95% CI = 53.5%–69.4%; DS: AUC = 57.9%, 95% CI = 54.6%–61.3%) but showed poor calibration with overly extreme risk estimates. Re‐estimating predictor weights improved discriminative capacity (MDD: AUC = 75.9%, 95% CI = 70.3%–81.4%; DS: AUC = 64.8%, 95% CI = 61.9%–67.7%) and calibration. IDEA‐RS predictors ‘poorest level of relationship with the primary caregiver’ (OR = 4.25, 95% CI = 1.73–10.41) and ‘high/highest levels of family conflict’ (OR = 3.36 [95% CI = 1.34–8.43] and OR = 3.76 [95% CI = 1.50–9.38], respectively) showed greatest associations with self‐reported incident MDD.ConclusionsWhile IDEA‐RS yields better‐than‐chance predictions on external replication, accuracy is improved when differences between samples, such as case‐control mix, are adjusted for. IDEA‐RS may be more suited to research settings with sufficient data for refitting. Altogether, we find that IDEA‐RS can be generalisable to early adolescents after refitting and that family dysfunction may be especially impactful for this period of development.

Workplace fear of missing out and job burnout: The chain mediating effect of psychological detachment and work–family conflict

We explored the chain mediating role of psychological detachment and work–family conflict in the relationship between workplace fear of missing out (FOMO) and job burnout. Participants comprised 324 Chinese employees who completed online surveys at four time points. Results were as follows: (a) workplace FOMO was negatively correlated with psychological detachment and positively correlated with work–family conflict and job burnout, (b) psychological detachment and work–family conflict played a mediating role in the relationship between workplace FOMO and job burnout, and (c) psychological detachment and work–family conflict played a chain mediating role in the relationship between workplace FOMO and job burnout. The multiple mediating mechanisms by which workplace FOMO affects job burnout point to its harmful effects and indicate a need to reduce its potential impact on job burnout by increasing employees' psychological detachment and reducing their work–family conflict levels.

Family functioning, family relationship problems, and psychological wellbeing among young adults

The study aims to examine the relationship between family functioning, family relationship problems, and psychological well-being among young adults in the southern region of India. The data was collected from a total 265 young adults aged 18 – 26 years old, through both online and offline means i.e. hybrid method was used. Using a quantitative non-experimental design, employing correlation analysis, data was analyzed. The measures that were used in the study were Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES III), the Index of Family Relations (IFR), and Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scale (PWB) – 42items. The finding of the study show that there was indeed a significant relationship between family cohesion, a subdomain in family functioning and the domains of psychological wellbeing. However, no significant relationship was observed between family adaptability, another subdomain in family functioning and the domains psychological well-being. Conversely, family relationship problems showed a significant negative correlation with various aspects of psychological well-being, indicating that higher levels of family conflict were associated with lower levels of psychological well-being. In conclusion, the findings underscore the importance of addressing family dynamics and conflict resolution strategies to promote the psychological well-being of young adults.

Childhood adversity is associated with reduced BOLD response in inhibitory control regions amongst preadolescents from the ABCD study

Adolescence is characterized by dynamic neurodevelopment, which poses opportunities for risk and resilience. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) confer additional risk to the developing brain, where ACEs have been associated with alterations in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) BOLD signaling in brain regions underlying inhibitory control. Socioenvironmental factors like the family environment may amplify or buffer against the neurodevelopmental risks associated with ACEs. Using baseline to Year 2 follow-up data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the current study examined how ACEs relate to fMRI BOLD signaling during successful inhibition on the Stop Signal Task in regions associated with inhibitory control and examined whether family conflict levels moderated that relationship. Results showed that greater ACEs were associated with reduced BOLD response in the right opercular region of the inferior frontal gyrus and bilaterally in the pre-supplementary motor area, which are key regions underlying inhibitory control. Further, greater BOLD response was correlated with less impulsivity behaviorally, suggesting reduced activation may not be behaviorally adaptive at this age. No significant two or three-way interactions with family conflict levels or time were found. Findings highlight the continued utility of examining the relationship between ACEs and neurodevelopmental outcomes and the importance of intervention/prevention of ACES.

Indirect associations between immigration-related stressors and latine adolescents' depressive symptoms: The moderating roles of familism, nativity, and gender.

This study examined the indirect relationship between immigration-related stressors and depressive symptoms via family conflict and whether familism values moderated this relationship in a sample of U.S. Latine youth. We also explored nativity and gender differences in the predictive model. Participants were 306 Midwestern Latine youth (Mage = 15.50, 46.2% girls, 79.9% Mexican origin) and their primary caregivers who completed measures of study constructs. A series of path models examined the potential mediating role of family conflict and the moderating effects of familism values, gender, and nativity. For the overall sample, parental exposure to immigration-related stressors was related to higher youth depressive symptoms through higher levels of family conflict. However, multigroup models revealed significant differences by nativity and gender. The indirect effect through family conflict was only significant for non-U.S.-born youth with low to average levels of familism-support and average to high levels of familism-obligation; it was not significant for U.S.-born youth. Furthermore, the indirect association was only significant for boys with average to high levels of familism-obligation; no significant indirect effects were found for girls. The results indicate that the indirect pathway linking immigration-related stressors to depressive symptoms via family conflict depends on youth familism values, nativity status, and gender. Findings highlight the distinct effects of familism-support and obligation and the need to consider sociodemographic diversity within Latine communities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Strengthening through adversity: The hormesis model in developmental psychopathology.

Employing a developmental psychopathology framework, we tested the utility of the hormesis model in examining the strengthening of children and youth through limited levels of adversity in relation to internalizing and externalizing outcomes within a brain-by-development context. Analyzing data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study (N = 11,878), we formed latent factors of threat, deprivation, and unpredictability. We examined linear and nonlinear associations between adversity dimensions and youth psychopathology symptoms and how change of resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in the default mode network (DMN) from Time 1 to Time 5 moderates these associations. A cubic association was found between threat and youth internalizing problems; low-to-moderate family conflict levels reduced these problems. Deprivation also displayed a cubic relation with youth externalizing problems, with moderate deprivation levels associated with fewer problems. Unpredictability linearly increased both problem types. Change in DMN rsFC significantly moderated the cubic link between threat levels and internalizing problems, with declining DMN rsFC levels from Time 1 to Time 5 facilitating hormesis. Hormetic effects peaked earlier, emphasizing the importance of sensitive periods and developmental timing of outcomes related to earlier experiences. Strengthening through limited environmental adversity is crucial for developing human resilience. Understanding this process requires considering both linear and nonlinear adversity-psychopathology associations. Testing individual differences by brain and developmental context will inform preventive intervention programming.

DYNAMIC IMPACTS OF FAMILY CONFLICT ON ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT AMONG ADRD CAREGIVERS

Abstract Conflict with other family members impacts dementia caregivers’ well-being and stress-appraisals and may also influence their use of elder abuse and neglect (EAN). To test this, we utilized latent class analysis to classify spouse, adult child, grandchild, and nontraditional (step- and in-laws) caregivers (N = 453) based on family conflict levels at baseline. Caregivers were classified into four groups: “low,” “moderate,” “high,” and “EAN accusations.” Spouses were significantly more likely to be in the “low” class compared to other classes. Nontraditional caregivers were more likely to be in the “EAN accusations” class versus the “moderate” class (β = 1.73, SE = .70, p < .05). Belonging to the EAN accusations class predicted EAN at baseline (t = 3.728, p < .001). Next, dynamic structural equation modeling was used to test whether stress from family conflict on a given day predicts use of EAN behaviors. Family conflict stress predicted EAN on the same day (β = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.03-0.07), but not the subsequent day (CL= -0.01, 95% CI = 0.03-0.02). Similar models were conducted for each relationship type. The effect of family conflict stress on EAN was not significant for spouse and grandchildren but remained significant for adult child and non-traditional caregivers. Findings suggest interventions related to conflict management and communication among caregiving families may be beneficial new intervention targets for reducing EAN in ADRD. Addressing family conflict may be most important when the caregiver is an adult child or nontraditional relationship.

The Association between Family Environment and Subsequent Risk of Cyberbullying Victimization in Adolescents

BackgroundFamily environment and parental monitoring have long been recognized as two important factors associated with adolescents’ psychological development. Studies have suggested a potential link between parenting style/parental engagement and the likelihood of bullying victimization among adolescents. Nonetheless, no studies to date have investigated the association between family environment and the subsequent risk of cyberbullying victimization among adolescents. In this study, we assessed the association between family environment (eg, parental monitoring and family conflict) and subsequent risk of cyberbullying victimization using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD). MethodsWe used multivariable logistic regressions to assess the association between parental monitoring and family conflict at year 1 and the subsequent risk of cyberbullying victimization at year 2 in 10,410 eligible ABCD study participants. ResultsAdjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, study sampling weights and study site, higher levels of parental monitoring at year 1 were associated with a lower reported past 12-month (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.50–0.75) history of cyberbullying victimization at year 2. Higher levels of family conflict at year 1 were associated with a higher risk of reported past 12-month history (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04–1.16) of cyberbullying victimization one year later. ConclusionHigher levels of parental monitoring and lower levels of family conflict are associated with a subsequent lower risk of cyberbullying victimization among adolescents. Cyberbullying victimization preventive programs should advocate for increased parental monitoring and minimize family conflict at home to reduce the risks of cyberbullying victimization among adolescents.

47 Exposure to Early Life Adversity is Related to Alterations in Neural Correlates of Inhibitory Control in Preadolescents: Findings from the ABCD Study Cohort

Objective:Rapid neurodevelopment occurs during adolescence, which may increase the developing brain’s susceptibility to environmental risk and resilience factors. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may confer additional risk to the developing brain, where ACEs have been linked with alterations in BOLD signaling in brain regions underlying inhibitory control. Potential resiliency factors, like a positive family environment, may attenuate the risk associated with ACEs, but limited research has examined potential buffers to adversity’s impact on the developing brain. The current study aimed to examine how ACEs relate to BOLD response during successful inhibition on the Stop Signal Task (SST) in regions underlying inhibitory control from late childhood to early adolescence and will assess whether aspects of the family environment moderate this relationship.Participants and Methods:Participants (N= 9,080; Mage= 10.7, range= 9-13.8 years old; 48.5% female, 70.1% non-Hispanic White) were drawn from the larger Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study cohort. ACE risk scores were created (by EAS) using parent and child reports of youth’s exposure to adverse experiences collected at baseline to 2-year follow-up. For family environment, levels of family conflict were assessed based on youth reports on the Family Environment Scale at baseline and 2-year follow-up. The SST, a task-based fMRI paradigm, was used to measure inhibitory control (contrast: correct stop > correct go); the task was administered at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Participants were excluded if flagged for poor task performance. ROIs included left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula, inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA). Separate linear mixed-effects models were conducted to assess the relationship between ACEs and BOLD signaling in ROIs while controlling for demographics (age, sex assigned at birth, race, ethnicity, household income, parental education), internalizing scores, and random effects of subject and MRI model.Results:Greater ACEs was associated with reduced BOLD response in the opercular region of the right IFG (b= -0.002, p= .02) and left (b= -0.002, p= .01) and right pre-SMA (b= -0.002, p= .01). Family conflict was related to altered activation patterns in the left pre-SMA, where youth with lower family conflict demonstrated a more robust negative relationship (b=.001, p= .04). ACEs were not a significant predictor in other ROIs, and the relationship between ACEs and BOLD response did not significantly differ across time. Follow-up brain-behavior correlations showed that in youth with lower ACEs, there was a negative correlation between increased activation in the pre-SMA and less impulsive behaviors.Conclusions:Preadolescents with ACE history show blunted activation in regions underlying inhibitory control, which may increase the risk for future poorer inhibitory control with downstream implications for behavioral/health outcomes. Further, results demonstrate preliminary evidence for the family environment’s contributions to brain health. Future work is needed to examine other resiliency factors that may modulate the impact of ACE exposure during childhood and adolescence. Further, clinical scientists should continue to examine the relationship between ACEs and neural and behavioral correlates of inhibitory control across adolescent development, as risk-taking behaviors progress.

Effects of parental mental health and family environment on impulsivity in preadolescents: a longitudinal ABCD study®.

Impulsivity is a known risk factor for the development of substance use disorders and other psychiatric conditions that is influenced by both genetics and environment. Although research has linked parental mental health to children's impulsivity, potential mediators of this relationship remain understudied. The current investigation leverages the large national Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study to assess the mediating role of family conflict - an important social context for youth development - in the relationship between parental mental health and youth impulsivity. Data were from the first three annual waves of the ABCD study (Baseline N = 11,876 children, Mage = 9.9 years; 48% female; 52% White). Parental mental health conditions were self-reported internalizing, externalizing, and total problems. Youth completed the family conflict scale, and Urgency, Planning (lack of), Perseverance (lack of), Sensation Seeking, and Positive Urgency (UPPS-P) scale to measure impulsivity. To determine if within-family change in conflict from baseline to year 1 explained changes in the strength of relations between baseline parental mental health and year 2 youth impulsivity, longitudinal causal mediation analyses were conducted, controlling for demographic factors (i.e., age, sex, race, household income, parental education, marital status), as well as baseline levels of family conflict and outcomes. Separate mediation models were run for each mental health condition and each UPPS-P subscale. Above and beyond bivariate relations, longitudinal mediation models, which included covariates, showed family conflict significantly (ps < 0.001) mediated relations between all three parental mental health conditions and all but one (i.e., sensation seeking) UPPS-P subscales. The proportion mediated through family conflict for internalizing problems and total problems on facets of impulsivity (except sensation seeking) ranged from 9% (for lack of perseverance) to 17% (for lack of planning). Proportion mediated via family conflict for externalizing problems on youth's impulsivity (except sensation seeking) was slightly higher, ranging between 13% (lack of perseverance) to 21% (lack of planning). Family conflict may be an important intergenerational factor linking parental mental health and youth's impulsivity. Addressing parental mental health and family conflict may help curb increased impulsivity in youth, and in turn reduce adolescent substance use disorders.

The Impacts of Divorce on Children: Exploring Consequences and Seeking Legitimate Solutions

With the acceleration of the divorce rate from the mid- 1960s to the early 1980s, the number of nontraditional families (such as single-parent families and reconstituted families) have increased relative to intact, first-time nuclear families, Divorce as a social carcass which yields as a results of separation between parents (couples) and divert them from their marriage rights has become one of the static problems of the day. . Although not entirely consistent, the pattern of empirical findings suggests that children's emotional, social, physical, and mental health adjustment, gender-role orientation, and antisocial behavior are affected by family structure, whereas other dimensions of well-being are unaffected. But the review indicates that these findings should be interpreted with caution because of the methodological deficiencies of many of the studies on which these findings are based. Several variables, including the level of family conflict, may be central variables mediating the effect of family structure on children. The purpose and aim of this paper is to investigate and study the consequences of Divorce on children. The study will also pinpoint the reasons of Divorce and effects both negative and positive aspect of Divorce. Secondary data will be apprehended to help as a perspective guide from recognized sources to elaborate the collective consequences of divorce on children. The study will also draw conclusions based on the diverse consequences of divorce on children.

Parents' adaptation from conflict: Bicultural socialization beliefs and acculturative family conflict in Chinese American families.

Many Chinese American parents desire for their children to take on both Chinese heritage and mainstream American values and behaviors, referred to as their bicultural socialization beliefs. Parents' development of such beliefs appears linked with parent-adolescent conflict concerning cultural values, yet the direction and temporal ordering of this relation is unclear. The present study aimed to resolve discrepancies in the literature through examining the bidirectional relations between Chinese American parents' bicultural socialization beliefs and the acculturative family conflict they experience with their children. Relations were examined across two developmental periods of the children: adolescence and emerging adulthood. Data came from a longitudinal study of 444 Chinese American families from the west coast of the United States. Mothers and fathers reported on their own bicultural socialization beliefs for their children. Mothers, fathers, and adolescents/emerging adults each reported on levels of acculturative family conflict within mother-adolescent and father-adolescent dyads. Higher levels of family conflict in adolescence consistently predicted greater increases in parents' desires for their children to be bicultural in emerging adulthood. Results have implications for interventions with Chinese American families and demonstrate Chinese American parents as capable of adapting and growing from challenging, culturally based interactions with their children. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Ethnic–racial socialization, family climate, and anxiety among African American and Latinx emerging adults.

Ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) is an essential strategy that families of color utilize to discuss race, racism, and promote ethnic-racial pride. These strategies are necessary to help youth navigate a racialized world, particularly in emerging adulthood as youth transition away from home. There are mixed findings about the psychological benefits of messages focused on racial barriers, which raise questions about whether certain ERS messages may elicit anxiety symptoms and if there are conditions (e.g., family climate) under which ERS messages are most beneficial. Further, the interplay between ERS and family climate may vary across ethnic-racial groups. Thus, the present study examined the associations between ERS (i.e., cultural socialization, preparation for bias, promotion of mistrust) and anxiety symptoms, and whether the moderating effects of family climate (i.e., cohesion, conflict) varied for 142 African American (AA; 83% women) and 275 Latinx (LX; 70.5% women) college students (M = 18.89, SD = 1.06). Cultural socialization and family cohesion were negatively associated with anxiety symptoms, while promotion of mistrust and family conflict were positively associated with anxiety symptoms. Preparation for bias was not associated with anxiety symptoms. For both AA and LX youth who reported high family cohesion, cultural socialization was associated with lower anxiety symptoms. Additionally, among AA youth who reported high levels of family conflict, cultural socialization was associated with lower levels of anxiety symptoms. The findings have important implications for understanding the unique and interactive effects of ERS and family climate on anxiety symptoms for AA and LX emerging adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Workload, Fatigue, Family Conflict: Impact on Outpatient Medical Workers in Sidoarjo

This research study aimed to analyze and explain the condition of outpatient medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic at a Type D Hospital in Sidoarjo. The study focused on the increasing number of COVID-19 cases among patients and the occurrence of infections among non-medical employees. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing an interval-level data collection method through observation, questionnaire distribution, and a saturated sample technique involving outpatient medical personnel. The study findings revealed that workload and work fatigue had a positive and significant impact on the performance of medical personnel. Additionally, the level of family conflict was found to have a positive effect on their performance. These results highlight the crucial factors influencing the performance of outpatient medical personnel during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for support and interventions to optimize their well-being and effectiveness in managing the ongoing crisis.&#x0D; Highlights:&#x0D; &#x0D; Workload and work fatigue significantly impact the performance of medical personnel during the Covid-19 pandemic.&#x0D; The level of family conflict influences the performance of outpatient medical workers.&#x0D; Understanding the effects of workload, work fatigue, and family conflict is crucial for supporting and optimizing the well-being of medical personnel during the pandemic.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Workload, Work Fatigue, Family Conflict, Outpatient Medical Workers, Covid-19.

The Relationship Between Latinxs' Acculturative Experiences and Mental and Behavioral Disorder in the National Latino and Asian American Study.

Mental and behavioral disorders are among the leading contributors to disability among US-residing Latinxs. When treated as a homogeneous group, important disparities in the prevalence of such disorders among Latinx subgroups (e.g., by ethnic heritage) are obscured. However, Latinxs may also be characterized by their acculturative experiences while living in the USA, such as discrimination, neighborhood context and family conflict. Latent Profile Analysis with distal outcomes was used to estimate differences in psychiatric disorder prevalence across acculturative subgroups. Data from 2,541 Latinx participants (age 18 +) in the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS) were used to estimate differences in the proportion of three categories of DSM-IV disorder: depressive, anxiety and substance use by four latent subgroups of Latinxs based on their acculturative experiences. Latinxs reporting more positive acculturative experiences had the lowest prevalence of all three disorders (14.8%, 13.6% and 7.1%, respectively). Those whose lives were characterized by high levels of family conflict and discrimination combined with low levels of social cohesion and neighborhood safety had the highest disorder prevalence (34.0%, 26.6% and 22.5%; all p < 0.01 compared to positive experiences subgroup). Latinxs with moderate levels of discrimination and conflict, along with those with high conflict and cohesion, were better off as compared to those with high negative experiences and low cohesion. These latent subgroups of Latinxs according to their acculturative experiences hold important implications for identifying high-risk groups for developing a psychiatric disorder. Findings also point to the protective role of family and neighborhood cohesion when facing high levels of adversity, which may inform prevention and intervention efforts.

Examining the Impact of Stressors during COVID-19 on Emergency Department Healthcare Workers: An International Perspective.

Emergency department healthcare workers are known to face a unique combination of pressures from their careers and work environments regularly. Caring for dying patients and making difficult lifesaving decisions not only continued but also became more prevalent for emergency department healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A growing body of literature revealed that the mental and emotional toll of COVID-19 has been tremendous. However, the burden of COVID-19 on the overall physical health and work–life balance on this group needs to be understood. This study aimed to describe the impact of stress on wellbeing and health across the globe among emergency department healthcare workers. A cross-sectional survey comprising work–family and family–work conflict scale, work–life balance, physical symptoms inventory, Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, satisfaction with job and life, and life change index scale was distributed to a convenience sample through listservs and social media. In total, 287 participants responded, 109 completing all questions. Fatigue was the most common symptom reported to occur daily (28.4%, n = 31), followed by muscle pain (13.8%, n = 15) and backache (11.9%, n = 13). Nurse practitioners reported the highest number of physical symptoms and the highest average scores and counts of stressful life events, while registered nurses indicated the highest work–family conflict levels. Linear regressions showed that stressful life events are significantly associated with both physical symptoms and work–family conflict. Results underscore the need to better support emergency department workers to mitigate the risks associated with occupational stress. Protective organizational policies and increased support strategies may be employed to improve wellbeing and cultivate a more sustainable workforce.

Dyadic associations between COVID-19-related stress and mental well-being among parents and children in Hong Kong: An actor-partner interdependence model approach.

The spread of COVID‐19 and its subsequent social distancing policies have profoundly impacted the lives of parents and children. Prolonged exposure to parenting‐related responsibilities and heightened levels of family conflict under stay‐at‐home orders coupled with reduced access to support systems and resources have rendered parents and children more prone to stress and mental health difficulties. Drawing on a transactional model of parent–child interactions, the present study applied an actor–partner interdependence model approach to examine the transactional relationship between COVID‐19‐related stress and mental well‐being among parents and children. Data from 109 Chinese parent–child dyads in Hong Kong were included in the study. Parents and their 8‐ to 10‐year‐old children completed a questionnaire on COVID‐19‐related stress, parent–child relationships, and mental well‐being. The results showed that 53.2% and 30.3% of the parents and children, respectively, showed poor mental well‐being, indicating possible emotional problems. Both actor and partner effects of parent COVID‐19‐related stress were found. Parent COVID‐19‐related stress was indirectly related to lower levels of parent and child mental well‐being, through the mediation of parent–child conflict. To facilitate psychological adjustment following the COVID‐19 outbreak, effective family‐based mental health and parenting interventions are needed to promote family cohesion and alleviate stress‐induced psychological symptoms. Even in the time of social distancing, telepsychotherapy and other online non‐psychotherapeutic interventions can serve as a valid alternative for parents and children who experience excessive distress. Implications for psychological services, family‐friendly policies, and social protection measures are also discussed.

Different Experiences of Adult Child and Spousal Caregivers with Family Conflict

Previous research indicates that different types of caregivers report distinct levels of family conflict (Dieker et al., 2019). However, as half (52%) of the participants in the previous study did not report family conflict, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among types of caregivers, family conflict, and caregiver burden in those who experience family conflict. Participants (N = 277; aged 19 to 87; M = 52.96) comprised of 197 adult child and 80 spousal caregivers. They completed the Caregiver Reaction Scale (O’Malley & Qualls, 2017) to assess different aspects of the caregiving experience. Hierarchical regressions (block 1: demographics, block 2: family conflict) were computed to predict caregiving burden. For spousal caregivers, the final model explained 2.2% of the variance in caregiving burden, F(7, 69) = 0.22, p = .98. None of the variables were significant. Additionally, family conflict did not uniquely influence caregiving burden beyond demographics, Fchange(2, 69) = 0.03, p = .97. For adult child caregivers, the set of predictors accounted for 20.5% of the variance in caregiving burden, F(7, 183) = 6.75, p < .001. Having more family beliefs and support conflict predicted greater caregiving burden (ps < .01). Family conflict scores also significantly explicated caregiver burden beyond demographics, Fchange(2, 183) = 17.60, p < .001. Results suggest that family conflict is a stronger driver of caregiver burden for adult child than spousal caregivers. Findings imply the need for clinicians to target appropriate interventions for adult child caregivers to reduce caregiver burden.

Impact of Joint Physical Custody and Best Interest of the Child: Reflections from a Critical Review of Empirical Studies

ABSTRACT The main goal of this study is to perform a critical literature review of empirical research that measures the effects of joint physical custody (JPC) on children’s and parents’ wellbeing from a sociological perspective. Its focus is Spain in the scope of the Second Demographic Transition (SDT). The studies reviewed show no consensus on terminology that best expresses the condition of JPC, definition of the concept of JPC, or what it is meant by best interest of the child (BIC). A systematic search was performed to locate publications on Spain from 2015–2020. The review shows that the vast majority of JPC resolutions are granted to a specific family profile: highly educated parents who have experienced a low level of family conflict. The review of theoretical antecedents raises the following unanswered questions: Is SDT culture determining the progress of the legal system? Does existing law benefit a specific segment of the parent population? Is a correspondence occurring between family change, jurisprudence, and family and economic policies that benefits children and parents? This study highlights the need for consensus in defining the concepts of JPC and BIC, as well as the measures and methodology to be applied to analyze them.